Pandemic Flu FAQs

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A pandemic influenza or flu can occur when three conditions arise:

• a new flu virus emerges and people have little or no immunity against it
• the flu virus infects humans and causes serious illness
• the virus spreads easily person-to-person[9]

Pandemic flu — our vulnerabilities

Most experts believe that the world is at risk for a pandemic flu and that it is only a matter of time until the next influenza pandemic occurs. However, the timing and severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted.[4] Some experts believe we are especially vulnerable to a flu pandemic that causes widespread illness and mortality [11] because of some commonplace facts about modern life:

• Rapid transportation [4]
• Easy international travel [11]
• Unprecedented numbers of people whose health is compromised due to age and infirmity [4]
• Concentrated populations centers [11]

Preparation is needed

All public health experts agree that preparation for a flu pandemic is necessary, regardless of when the next pandemic occurs. According to the World Health Organization, global preparation for a pandemic flu is currently inadequate.[18]

The prospect of pandemic flu and the related devastating impact on public health inspires a lot of questions. This section of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) may help you with your own.

 
Important Safety Information About RELENZA

• Serious cases of bronchospasm, including fatalities, have been reported during treatment with RELENZA in patients with and without underlying airway disease. Many of these cases were reported during postmarketing, and causality was difficult to assess
  
• RELENZA SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED IN ANY PATIENT WHO DEVELOPS BRONCHOSPASM OR DECLINE IN RESPIRATORY FUNCTION; immediate treatment and hospitalization may be required
  
• Safety and efficacy have not been demonstrated in patients with high-risk underlying medical conditions
  
• Patients should be instructed in the use of the delivery system. Instructions should include a demonstration whenever possible
  
• If treatment with RELENZA is considered for a patient with underlying airway disease, the potential risks and benefits should be carefully weighed. If a decision is made to prescribe RELENZA for such a patient, this should be done only under conditions of careful monitoring of respiratory function, close observation, and appropriate supportive care including availability of fast-acting bronchodilators
  
• Common adverse events in treatment and prophylaxis studies with RELENZA were nausea, diarrhea, sinusitis, viral respiratory infections, headaches, nasal signs and symptoms. The incidence of these adverse events was similar in both groups for RELENZA and placebo-treated groups
  
• Please see complete Prescribing Information for RELENZA